Nestled in the hills near Los Altos and Woodside is a place called Portola Valley. To say this enclave is expensive would be an understatement as real estate prices here are among the highest in the nation. But if you have the cash to spare, Portola Valley could be a great place to call home—especially if you’re a nature lover who can’t stay away from the great outdoors. 

Here are some places in Portola Valley to check out if you’re a resident, a guest stopping by for a visit, or an interested homebuyer who hopes to settle down here.

Monte Bello Open Space Preserve

Monte Bello Open Space Preserve

This preserve is a popular hiking destination in the Bay Area and for good reason. The hills offer gorgeous views of the Santa Clara Valley, well-marked trails for avid hikers, and even horseback riding routes for equestrians. Conveniently, Monte Bello is also connected with the Upper Stevens Creek County Park, Skyline Ridge, Los Trancos, and Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve, so hiking enthusiasts can track routes all over the Silicon Valley using Monte Bello as a connection.

There’s also a wide range of foliage in the area, and you’ll be able to spot Douglas fir and live oak among other tree varieties. Monte Bello is beautiful all year long, with fields of wildflowers stretching as far as the eye can see during the warmer months and the roaring stream teeming with wildlife during the cool months.

Windy Hill Open Space Preserve

Windy Hill Open Space Preserve photo courtesy of Miguel Vieira

This hilltop is aptly named, as things can get breezy here, so be prepared with the necessary layers. The wind is also what makes this preserve a popular destination for kite-flying, hang gliding, and paragliding. The 1,335-acre Windy Hill offers stretches of open grassland, as well as clusters of redwood, fir, and oak trees. Your dog can also accompany you on any of the trails, aside from the Lost and Razorback Trails. End your hike with a fun picnic at the picnic tables located near the Spring Ridge parking lot.

Spring Down Equestrian Center

Spring Down Equestrian Center photo by Shutterstock

If there’s one Bay Area neighborhood that caters to horseback riders, it’s Portola Valley. Whether you’re a trained equestrian, a horse enthusiast, or someone who wants to get into horseback riding, the Spring Down Equestrian Center offers lessons and camps for people of all levels. The 12-acre facility is located equidistant from San Francisco and San Jose, so people come from all over to enjoy the equestrian center. The covered arena is perfect for those wet-weather days, during which other facilities would be rained out.

Huddart Park 

Photo courtesy of Huddart Park

Looking for an escape from life in the city? Spend some time trekking the slopes and canyons of Huddart Park and you’ll leave all your troubles behind. Due to its close proximity to San Francisco and Highway 84, this is a popular year-round destination for outdoorsy folks. In addition to hiking and riding trails, the park also offers a playground, barbecue pits, meadows, and redwood forests for visitors to explore. FYI, dogs aren’t allowed at this destination.

Webb Ranch and Family Farm

Photo courtesy of Webb Ranch and Family Farm

This farm has been a Portola Valley fixture for almost a century. Since opening its doors in 1922, Webb Ranch has served the neighborhood’s residents with organic produce. Today, the ranch also offers riding lessons, pick-your-own-berries, an autumn pumpkin patch for Halloween, and a “Santa’s Village” extravaganza at Christmas time. The ranch also features a farmers market which lasts every year from Memorial Day until Halloween.